Port Macquarie koala births a symbol of community generosity

KOALA Conservation Australia (KCA) has marked a major milestone with the birth of seven joeys at Port Macquarie’s world-first wild koala breeding facility.

The program was made possible through the generosity of more than 160,000 donors from 140 countries.

More than $8 million was raised on GoFundMe during the 2019 and 2020 Black Summer Bushfires.

The funds helped KCA establish the breeding centre, which is now giving new hope for the survival of the species. KCA Chairperson Sue Ashton said the global support that flowed into Port Macquarie during the bushfires had a lasting impact.

“Through GoFundMe we were able to reach people across the globe to take the first step towards trying to save an endangered species and an Aussie icon,” she said.

“The outpouring of support went beyond anything we could have imagined, helping us rescue koalas from the bushfires and now breed joeys that give us hope for the future of the species.”

As part of the celebrations, KCA revealed the name of the first-born joey, chosen by public vote.

Hundreds of donors took part, with the winning name “Hope” receiving 49 percent of the vote.

GoFundMe CEO Tim Cadogan travelled from the United States to visit the Wild Koala Breeding Centre and celebrate 10 years of GoFundMe in Australia.

He said seeing the results of community fundraising firsthand was inspiring.

“When we look at the impact of more than $1 billion raised, it is truly remarkable how Australians have stepped up to fix their own challenges,” Mr Cadogan said.

“Australians have faced many crises in the last decade, and we’re proud to have been able to support [Australians] through those tough times.”

Since launching in Australia in 2015, GoFundMe has helped raise over $1.1 billion for local causes.

One in three Australians has used the platform to support someone in need.

By Sis HIGGINS